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5 Ways to Handle Your Business’s E-Waste

Business today rarely exists without technology and, as the demands of business increase so do our electronic needs. Business’ are constantly looking for the newest, fastest, and smartest technology capable of easily handling their busy day-to-day workload.

With this inevitable tech turn around you have to ask yourself – what do we do with the old ones? What do you do when your computer isn’t fast enough, your conference room TV needs to be bigger, or that old printer that started the company with you needs to retire? Do you throw them out?

The answer is no. Reckless discarding of electronic devices only contributes to the ever growing accumulation of electronic waste or e-waste.

E-waste refers to any electronic device that is no longer useful, functional or has become obsolete. It also happens to be one of the fastest growing veins of the solid waste stream BUT… there are simple ways for your business to exist responsibly with technology as to not make the pollution problem worse.

Here are 5 tips to help you handle, what you might think of as, your business’s tech trash:

TIP #1: Do your research

The best way to avoid having to deal with e-waste is keeping to the “e” from becoming waste, to begin with. This method of e-waste management starts with purchasing. Rather than looking for the least expensive option with the best reviews, do some research.

Finding out what the best electronic options are can be as simple as having a conversation with a local retailer. By asking questions such as “Which brands have the lowest return rates?” and “What models do you repair the least?” purchasers can gain real-world information to make the most informed decisions.

TIP #2: Repair or upgrade your informed purchases

When it comes to electronics, older doesn’t always mean obsolete. This is an area where your information technology (IT) department can really help. Having your IT pros evaluate the cost-benefits of repairing orupgrading will let you know if your workhorse printer should be put out to pasture or if it just needs some simple improvements. Additional memory, hard drives orsoftware upgrades can make old electronics feel newer and work more efficiently.

Don’t forget the DIY options. For those who are so inclined, there are a wide variety of basic repair tutorials for many office electronics. From YouTube to the direct manufacturers, finding a fix might only be a few keystrokes away.

TIP #3:Sell or swap your electronics

When your office electronics have truly reached the end of their road remember one thing – One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Even though you no longer see value in your old computers, others just might welcome them with open arms.

eBay is just one of manysites where companies can sell used electronics. Before you rush to buy packing tape make sure your IT department thoroughly wipes any sold equipment to prevent the transfer of your company information.

TIP #4: Donate or Recycle

Sometimes you just can’t ride an electronic into the ground. For those moments you still have options – donation and recycling.

Donating still useful but outdated electronics is not only a great way to reduce e-waste but it could also make your accounting department happy. Tax deductions can be a valuable product of donating electronics. Another valuable product of donation is putting items like computers, phones or tablets in the hands of those who can use them most – underfunded schools or children in developing countries for example.

Recycling is a valuable management for all waste but especially so with electronics since the practice can be as simple as recycling office paper products. The key to successful electronic recycling is doing it safely. Computers, office equipment, TVs, phones and general consumer electronics all have a purpose greater than a landfill.

Recycling can also be a way to make your accountants happy. Meet the rebate. Recyclable electronics should be seen as commodities and potential revenue generators. Depending on your business’s size, location, and type of e-waste, your old purchases could generate new cash flow.

TIP #5: Get it on the cloud

When you take advantage of thecloud you can eliminate the need for electronics such as servers in addition to any hardware you use to physically store items in your office. The other benefit of the cloud is accessibility and increased productivity. When you work remotely you have the ability to literally work remotely.

Read theRUBICONMethod in full to start developing a more successful waste reduction and recycling program today.

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